On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Philadelphia’s trash collectors went on strike. It is everything a pest could ever ask for. Uncollected garbage means free food, and lots of it, piling up across the city. Pests don’t see garbage the way people do; they see a city-sized buffet. Pests will come out of wherever they are hiding to take part in their unexpected bounty. Most pests breed rapidly, but the epic trash buildup could cause populations to grow exponentially. And with those increased populations come increases in pest-related ailments, ranging from diseases to asthma triggers to food contamination. The longer the strike lasts the worse the pest problems will get. This extreme situation will require an aggressive and proactive pest control response if you want to minimize pest-related risks to your Philadelphia home or business.

The pest population explosion will be most dire for businesses that produce substantial food waste. Restaurants and grocery stores need to be especially concerned, as there will be exponentially higher pest pressure on their exteriors. It is imperative for food waste to be disposed of carefully in sealed containers whenever possible. Rats can and will chew through thin plastic bags, so bagging will not be enough.

Though preventing pests will be substantially more difficult during and in the aftermath of the strike, customers will still react negatively to signs of pest infestation. Seeing a rat or cockroach in your place of business will still cause significant negative publicity, and, fair or unfair, it’s unlikely that customers will grade you on a curve.

But a substantial increase in pests will do more than reputational damage to businesses. More pests mean more risk of pest-related ailments for you, your family, and your pets. With increases in the number of mice, flies, roaches, ants, and rats in Philadelphia, come the associated health risks. Rats are known for spreading diseases like Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Typhus. These diseases can spread through contact with urine, feces, or saliva, or by getting bitten. This contamination is especially hazardous on urban streets where the mere act of drinking from an afflicted puddle can make your dog dangerously, potentially fatally sick. Increases in cockroach populations mean more allergic and asthmatic reactions. Flies, among the least sanitary of all pests, are known for spreading Dysentery, gastroenteritis, E. Coli, typhoid, and conjunctivitis.

All pests are a threat to home and business sanitation, making it even more important that you keep your space clean and disinfected. The key to staying ahead of this surge in pest activity is quick intervention. Viking Pest Control is the exclusive provider of SMART rodent control in Philadelphia. This advanced pest monitoring system can track rodent activity 24/7, helping to catch infestations early before they can fully begin.  If pest populations are allowed to explode, the cost, time, and effort to manage infestations will skyrocket. Waiting until pests have taken root inside your walls, kitchen, or storage areas is a costly mistake. The smartest move is to act now—before pests get the upper hand.

Viking Pest Control offers expert pest management professionals and proven solutions tailored to this pest control crisis. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your family from rats in Philadelphia or a business owner needing to safeguard your reputation and inventory, our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach delivers results that are fast, effective, and environmentally responsible.

We offer discreet, professional service for businesses and comprehensive home protection plans for residences in the Philadelphia area and beyond. With cutting-edge tools, local expertise, and a proactive mindset, we can help you endure this surge and recover quickly.

Don’t wait for the next trash pile to become a breeding ground. Contact Viking Pest Control today for a free estimate and start protecting what matters most.

This post originally appeared on The Viking Voice, Viking Pest Control's LInkedIn Newsletter. Sign up here.

In the modern luxury retail industry, shopping is seen as not just a means to an end but an experience in and of itself. People going luxury shopping want an adventure to be savored. The experience should be opulent, exciting, and memorable. A pest infestation can make the shopping experience memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Erewhon, the high-end West Coast grocery store known for its imported $19 strawberries and its $20 celebrity smoothies, recently found itself getting the wrong kind of attention when it had to shut down the smoothie bar at its Santa Monica location due to a cockroach infestation. If the idea of paying $20 for a smoothie seems like a big ask at the best of times, imagine how much bigger an ask it is to pay $20 at a smoothie bar that used to be home to a cockroach or few.

When people are willing to pay a premium, they expect superior service, exceptional quality, and, significantly, unimpeachable cleanliness. It is difficult to imagine anything filthier than a pest infestation. Pests are grimy, unsightly, trigger allergies, and cause diseases. The mere thought of seeing a rat or a cockroach at a place of business will make customers choose to go elsewhere. It is human nature.

In the competitive world of high-end retail and grocery, brand equity is everything. Luxury shopping is seen not just as a means to an end but as an experience in and of itself.  A single pest sighting can do more than just cost you a sale — it can devastate your reputation, erode customer trust, and even make waves in the news and social media like the Erewhon cockroach incident.

The True Cost of a Pest Infestation

Pest infestations can be absolutely ruinous to your business. Some of the risks include:

• Public Health Hazards: Rodents, insects, and other pests can transmit diseases and contaminate food products, posing a very real threat to the health and welfare of customers and staff.
• Lost Inventory: Infested goods must be discarded, leading to direct financial losses due to immediate lost sales and the cost of replacing contaminated tainted inventory.
• Increased Labor and Costs: Additional cleaning, product rejection, shipment delays, and emergency treatments drive up operating expenses.
• Employee Morale: Working in a pest-afflicted environment creates a negative experience for employees, impacting productivity and retention.
• Brand Damage: Years of hard-earned customer trust can be burned away rapidly when a pest infestation reaches the news. It will take an investment of both time and capital to move past it.

 

In grocery settings, particularly where bulk foods and grains are sold, pests like rice weevils, Indian meal moths, and flour, drugstore, and cigarette beetles can cause major issues — not just for the store, but for customers who may unknowingly bring infestations home.

 

Tailored, Full-Spectrum Pest Management

Whether you operate a single boutique grocery or a chain of luxury retail stores, Viking Pest Control offers customized solutions for your specific needs, including:

• Conventional, Organic, Low Impact, and Green Solutions: We are fully licensed and experienced to manage pest control across organic (USDA certified) and conventional operations. We also offer a Green Program that specifically uses natural, low-impact products and treatments.
• Supply Chain Coverage: Viking Pest’s commercial team can cover your product at every stage of its journey to the customer. Viking protects your entire product journey from production to warehousing to distribution centers to the retail floor.
• Advanced Monitoring with SMART Technology: Our SMART monitoring systems detect pest activity early, providing an intelligent, proactive approach before a minor issue becomes a major problem. SMART rodent control is especially helpful at high-end retail establishments because it does not require a technician to be in the store to do basic monitoring. This allows companies to have active, 24/7 pest monitoring without having any uniformed pest control technicians on the floor, potentially worrying customers.
• Multiple Layers of Protection: We offer support from highly trained technicians, a dedicated SMART monitoring team, and access to leading entomologists and science-based expertise.

 

Rats and Other Pests in Your Store Can Be a Big Problem

Why Viking?

At Viking Pest Control, we understand the stakes. Serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we specialize in protecting premium brands across the entire supply chain — from warehouses to retail shelves — with comprehensive, science-backed pest control services.

What sets Viking apart is our commitment to layered support and advanced science-based pest management solutions. We know which products are most at risk, how inspection protocols vary by location and inventory type, and how to design a pest prevention plan that works without disruption to your business operations.

Growing Beyond Borders

Need multi-state coverage? Viking Pest Control is part of a larger network, allowing us to connect you with trusted Anticimex sister companies outside our immediate service areas. No matter where you grow, we’re there to help protect your brand.

This article originally appeared on the Viking Voice, Viking's LInkedIn Newsletter. 

Pest control is a necessity for private medical offices. Patients expect a clean, sanitary environment, and nothing is more hazardous to your reputation than an insect or rodent infestation. Pests can spread pathogens, contaminate medical supplies, damage sensitive equipment and electronics, and disrupt daily operations. No matter what your practice area, proactive pest control measures are absolutely essential to maintaining a pest-free environment.

Pests Medical Offices Need to Watch Out For

Bed Bugs – Bed bugs are a frequent pest found at medical facilities. Patients can easily carry them in from outside and spread them onto beds, waiting room furniture, and laundry facilities if your office uses them on-site. This is especially common at medical facilities that handle inpatient care. While not known disease carriers, bed bugs can cause extreme discomfort with their bites leaving painfully itchy welts on the skin that can lead to self-injury and possible infection. Indirect risks of bed bug bites are loss of sleep and increased anxiety.

Ants—The humble ant is one of the most common invaders of medical facilities. Because they are so small, they can sneak into even the tiniest of openings. While not the most dangerous pests, they can still spread diseases and contaminate anything they find edible. Pharoah Ants have been known for their attraction to open wounds and IV units, making them an infection risk for patients if not dealt with.

Flies—Flies can be a major concern for health care facilities. They are known disease spreaders due to their attraction to poorly sanitized places. They can live in garbage, clogged drains, medical waste, and other biological materials. Flies can also bring a halt to planned surgeries.

Cockroaches – Cockroaches as a pervasive pest in places where food is prepared and stored. They are known to cause health problems as well, both from translocating diseases from unsanitary areas and because their feces and shed skins are primary causes of asthma.

Mice - Mice can also be a significant issue. Their urine and feces are well-known contaminants. They are also prone to damaging furniture and chewing on wires. They also destroy paper and cardboard to use for nesting materials.

Other frequent pests we see in medical offices include beetles, spiders, and overwintering pests like stink bugs and cluster flies.

It goes without saying that areas where sensitive procedures are performed and medical samples are collected should be kept pest-free.

Risk Areas

Kitchens and Break Rooms – When pests enter any building it’s generally to find food, water, and shelter. Kitchens and break rooms typically provide all three. Food needs to be carefully handled, disposed of, and cleaned up after to prevent attracting pests. Sinks should be turned off and any leaks stopped for the same reason. Garbage should be disposed of regularly so as not to become infested.

Waiting Rooms – As mentioned above, patients can bring in bed bugs and other pests that can infest your furniture. It’s important to keep this area clean and sanitary. Frequently check chairs, cushions, and other areas where pests can congregate and make sure that any refreshments you may offer are properly disposed of in a timely manner.

Laboratories/Testing rooms - Labs and places where medical tests are conducted need to be watched extra carefully. Contamination is especially dangerous in places where bodily fluids and medical waste are collected and disposed of. These areas are especially prone to fly infestations.

Restrooms – Restrooms need to be watched carefully both due to the presence of water and bodily waste.

Exterior Entry Points – Cracks and holes from the outside are one of the biggest entry points to a medical facility. Mice can squeeze through gaps about the size of a dime, and bugs can get into spaces that are even smaller. These gaps should be sealed or plugged. If your exterior includes any decaying wood, it needs to be replaced. Windows should be weather-stripped, and doors should include sweeps. Make sure outside garbage is kept in properly sealed containers or dumpsters. Avoid propping doors or leaving windows open.

Trash cans and dumpsters around your office can attract pests. It's important to take proactive pest control measures to keep pests out. This is part of an Integrated Pest Management approach utilized by companies like Viking Pest.

Viking Pest Control follows a process known as Integrated Pest Management or IPM for short. IPM isn’t about simply eliminating pest infestations when they occur. It’s also about preventing them from occurring in the first place. One part of that process is exclusion, which amounts to eliminating points of entry and removing the conditions that attract pests.

One benefit offered exclusively by Viking in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland is SMART pest monitoring. SMART uses a variety of state-of-the-art technologies to monitor pest activity when and where no one can be there to see it. SMART devices like the SMART Eye Mini can detect rodent activity 24/7 and report activity to our offices so we can take action to prevent a mouse or rat infestation before it can occur. The SMART Sense mini is a newer device that can report on smaller pests like moths and cockroaches, again, allowing us to act on pest problems early.

SMART devices are sleek and don’t resemble conventional pest control like traps or bait boxes. As a result, you can keep them in your office without tipping off those out of the know that you are protecting your employees and patients from pests. It doesn’t use cameras, so no one needs to be concerned about their privacy. It is also a green, no-impact product which means you don’t need to worry about challenging the sterility of your office with pest control products. In circumstances where the use of product is warranted, we have a variety of green, low-impact options available. Viking is an industry leader in green pest control, being GreenPro certified and receiving the award for the USA’s most sustainable pest control from The Spruce four years running as of 2024.

When you call, Viking’s commercial pest control experts will perform a free risk evaluation to locate pest pressure points and take measures to exclude and monitor potential threats.

Pennsylvania is a great place to live. It offers residents anything they could ask for: a temperate climate with four seasons, some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, greatest cities, richest history, and biggest opportunities. However, all those benefits come at a small cost: Pennsylvania has a unique set of pest problems that residents and businesses have to deal with on a regular basis. While these problems may be annoying, they are manageable if you know who to call. Viking Pest Control should be your go-to company for the best pest control company in Pennsylvania. Below are a few reasons why.

Forbes Home rated Viking Pest Control as one of the country’s 10 best pest control companies top five best mosquito control companies, and the overall best termite control company in the country. The primary reason Forbes gave for why Viking wasn’t rated higher overall was simply due to the lack of states in which our services are available, which is not a problem for Eastern Pennsylvania. In addition to the Forbes honors, Viking received The Spruce’s accolade for being the Best Pest Control Company for Sustainability. Viking offers a wide variety of environmentally friendly and low-impact pest control solutions, including the innovative SMART Rodent Control system that monitors homes and businesses for rodent activity 24/7 and organic pest control solutions.

Viking offers a variety of home and business protection plans that serve the unique problems faced by residents of the Keystone state. Pennsylvania is the state with the highest per capita incidence of Lyme Disease in the country. Viking understands this issue and offers Yard Guard tick and mosquito protection services to help keep your home, family, and business safe. Pennsylvania is also the first state in the country to suffer from the spotted lanternfly invasion and Viking offers a carefully crafted spotted lanternfly control service that takes the needs of your plants and the safety of beneficial insects and wildlife into account.

Viking is the only pest control company to offer Anticimex SMART pest control in Pennsylvania. What is SMART pest control? It’s a technologically advanced and environmentally friendly rodent control system that monitors rodent activity 24/7 without the use of cameras. SMART devices can find and help prevent rodent infestations before they can become a problem. SMART is also designed to scale upward to business and even municipal levels with advanced SMART devices keeping homes, businesses, and communities safer.

While Viking Pest takes pride in our work and makes efforts to be thorough in every visit, sometimes pest problems require more than one visit to get fully under control. For that reason, a variety of Viking  Pest Control services offer unlimited callbacks. Have more ants snuck into your home since our initial treatment? Call Viking and we will come back and finish what we started at no additional cost.

Viking Pest Control has been providing high-quality, reliable pest control services for more than forty years. Citizens of Pennsylvania know they can call Viking to handle any pest problem big or small. To schedule a free quote, dial 800-618-2847 or visit the Viking website today!

 

In just seven years, the spotted lanternfly has spread from a small section of Pennsylvania to nine U.S. states. But would you recognize one if you saw it? What if it started damaging your home?

Spotted lanternfly damage is affecting agricultural businesses and homes alike as these bugs terrorize the Northeast United States. If you haven't heard about lanternflies yet, or are aware of the devastation this pretty little monster can wreak on plant life, it's time to educate yourself on this invasive pest. Keep reading to learn more. 

What Is the Spotted Lanternfly?

The spotted lanternfly is a fairly recent invasive insect species to the US. This bug is native to China, India, and Vietnam but came to the US in 2014. An egg sack was probably carried over on a shipping container, and these multi-legged menaces have been terrorizing US trees and crops and expanding their destructive rampage across the states since their arrival.

The Spotted Lanternfly was first documented in Pennsylvania, but it can now it can also be found in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and even Virginia. Spotted lanternflies were able to spread so quickly because they will lay their eggs on almost any surface. It's very easy for people to bring lanternfly egg sacks to new locations on their cars without even realizing it.

What Is Spotted Lanternfly Damage?

All life stages of spotted lanternflies present a risk of damage to plants and crops. They pierce plant tissue with their mouths and drain them of vital fluids. The younger stages tend to damage tender plant life, while adults are able to pierce through the bark of trees during feeding.

In the US, spotted lanternflies pose a threat to economically important plant life including grapevines,  blueberry bushes and apple, peach, maple, walnut, and pine trees. Many farmers have resorted to extreme methods to protect their crops against lanternflies, some of which can be damaging to pollinator bugs as well as expensive for businesses.

Even worse than the damage they do while feasting on plants is the damage they do when defecating. Lanternfly “honeydew” is a sticky substance that they secrete after eating. This goo invites other pest insects to the same tree and develops a fungus that can damage its root system.

 

How Do I Identify Spotted Lanternflies?

It's clear that the lanternflies need to be stopped. But if you don't know what they look like how can you stop them? It's important that everyone in the lanternfly's current area be able to identify them at all life stages. While the distinctive spotted red and white wings of the adult lanternflies are quite distinctive, their previous stages of development aren’t as easily recognized.

It's especially important to respect the spotted lanternfly quarantine. This means that you should be inspecting your car for egg masses so that you don't bring them into new territories.

Here's a helpful guide.

Eggs

Spotted lanternfly egg masses start appearing in the fall season. Lanternflies will lay their eggs on any hard surface - from cars to playground sets, trees, and patio furniture. They're very hard to spot because of their coloring, and because a lot of other things look like them. 

When dry, the egg masses look like cracked mud packed onto a surface. They're about one square inch all the way around. Each mass contains up to sixty lanternflies inside. That's a lot fewer lanternflies if you can identify a mass and destroy it.

Nymphs

Lanternfly nymphs come in two stages. They start hatching in the spring, and their first stage is quite small. They look like little black beetles with white polka dot spots. They are wingless and grow to be about a quarter of an inch long.

In the midsummer, those early nymphs will go through a molting process and start to show their second stage of nymph-hood. These so-called "red-stage nymphs" are strong enough to start breaking through the bark of trees and causing damage.

The red-stage nymphs are slightly bigger averaging at about three-quarters of an inch long. They maintain their white spots but develop a striking, bright red body and black markings like stripes. They'd be quite pretty to look at if they were such a menace.

Adults

Also around midsummer, the adult lanternflies start appearing and they'll last until it starts to frost in the fall. 

The adults are about an inch long and half an inch wide. They have a pink, tan, or brownish outer wing covered with little black spots (hence the spotted name). They look a little bit like a mix between a moth and a cicada and have quite papery wings.

The greatest indicator that you're looking at a spotted lanternfly is the bright red underwing. You won't see it unless they get disturbed and fly or jump (like a grasshopper) but then it's impossible to mistake that unique bright red color.

Spotted Lanternfly Control

It's up to all of us to do our part to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

As mentioned before, check your car before any road trips for egg masses, especially in the Fall. Remove them and then put them in a bag filled with alcohol to be sure that all the eggs are killed. Viking offers free spotted lanternfly egg scrapers.

If you see any stage of nymphs or adult lanternflies, squash them with your foot! They're quite fragile and there's no harm in killing them one by one.

 

Lanternfly Infestation

If you start seeing more and more lanternflies in your backyard and discovering that sticky honeydew on your trees, you may have a full infestation.

Don't let lanternflies continue to breed in your yard and cause damage to your valued trees and plans. Call an exterminator to take care of the problem once and for all.

We can all do our part to stop the invasion of spotted lanternflies and put an end to spotted lanternfly damage. Check your car for egg masses, kill them on sight, and call an exterminator to deal with larger infestations.

Have you noticed nymphs in your yard? Check out our service for spotted lanternfly egg removal! 

Rodent infestations are a growing challenge for cities and municipalities across the country. Rats and mice spread disease, contaminate food sources, damage infrastructure, and create ongoing public health concerns for residents and businesses alike.

Traditional rodent control methods often struggle to keep up with rapidly growing urban rodent populations. That’s why Viking Pest Control continues to invest in innovative pest management technology through the Anticimex SMART Cities system — an intelligent, environmentally conscious approach to large-scale rodent control.

What Is SMART Cities Pest Control?

SMART Cities is an advanced rodent monitoring and control system that uses wireless technology, sensors, and real-time analytics to detect, monitor, and eliminate rodent activity throughout municipalities and commercial environments.

Unlike traditional pest control methods that rely heavily on routine inspections and rodenticide use, SMART technology provides continuous 24/7 monitoring and data collection to help identify infestations before they become widespread problems.

The system combines strategically placed devices, wireless communication, and pest trend analysis to create a proactive approach to rodent management.

How SMART Cities Rodent Control Works

Every SMART Cities project begins with a detailed site evaluation to identify rodent hotspots, vulnerable infrastructure, and ideal device placement locations.

SMART devices are then installed in key above-ground and below-ground locations throughout the targeted area, including:

• Sewer systems
• Utility corridors
• Commercial properties
• Alleyways
• Public infrastructure
• High rodent activity zones

Using sensors that detect heat signatures, motion, and rodent activity, the system continuously collects data and wirelessly sends reports back to Viking Pest Control for analysis.

This real-time monitoring allows technicians to:

• Identify rodent activity patterns
• Locate nests and travel routes
• Detect infestations early
• Optimize trap placement
• Monitor trends over time
• Improve long-term rodent reduction strategies

SMART Pest Control Devices

The Anticimex SMART system includes several specialized devices designed for different environments and pest challenges.

SMART Pipe and SMART Pipe 3

These devices are designed specifically for sewer systems and underground rodent activity. SMART Pipe systems help eliminate rats below ground in an environmentally responsible manner.

SMART Box

The SMART Box is an above-ground multi-catch rodent trap that automatically detects and eliminates rats or mice while continuously reporting activity data to the system.

SMART Eye

SMART Eye devices are compact rodent sensors designed to fit into narrow or hard-to-access spaces where rodents commonly travel or hide.

SMART Sense

SMART Sense technology detects activity from pests such as moths and cockroaches by monitoring temperature and movement changes.

SMART Connect

SMART Connect acts as the communication hub for the entire system, wirelessly transmitting pest activity data back to Viking’s central monitoring platform.

Benefits of SMART Rodent Control

SMART Cities technology offers several advantages over traditional municipal pest control programs.

24/7 Monitoring

Unlike conventional traps that require manual inspections, SMART devices continuously monitor pest activity around the clock and report data automatically.

Early Infestation Detection

Trend analysis allows pest professionals to identify emerging infestations before rodent populations spiral out of control.

Environmentally Friendly Pest Control

SMART systems reduce reliance on traditional rodenticides and help municipalities implement more environmentally responsible pest management programs.

Improved Efficiency

Real-time analytics allow technicians to focus efforts where rodent activity is highest, improving treatment accuracy and reducing unnecessary service visits.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Municipal leaders and property managers gain access to measurable pest control data that supports long-term planning and public health initiatives.

Why Urban Rodent Problems Are Increasing

Urban rodent populations continue to grow due to factors such as:

• Increased food availability
• Aging infrastructure
• Sewer access
• Dense populations
• Construction activity
• Climate conditions
• Improper waste management

As cities expand, rats quickly adapt to changing environments and establish nests near homes, restaurants, businesses, and public spaces.

Large-scale infestations require coordinated, technology-driven solutions capable of addressing rodent activity across entire communities.

SMART Cities and Municipal Rodent Management

SMART Cities technology is especially effective for municipalities, commercial districts, transportation systems, industrial properties, and densely populated urban areas where traditional rodent control methods may fall short.

By combining monitoring technology, automated reporting, and targeted rodent reduction strategies, SMART Cities programs help communities maintain safer, healthier environments for residents and businesses.

Professional SMART Pest Control Services

Viking Pest Control provides SMART Cities rodent management solutions throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Our team works closely with municipalities and commercial clients to design customized pest management programs tailored to the unique needs of each property or community.

From initial site evaluations to ongoing monitoring and data analysis, Viking Pest Control delivers advanced, large-scale rodent control solutions that help communities stay protected against current and future infestations.

If you run a business and want to stay in top shape, ensure you avoid pests and the problems that come with them. Fall is an active time for pests, they want to find a warm place to stay during the winter and will take advantage of your business if you don't have proper pest protection in place. Although all pests are bad during the fall, some are worse than others. Pests to protect your business from in the fall include roaches, bed bugs, and mice. Read on below to learn more about these pests and why they are a problem. 

Roaches

Roaches are a serious problem for your business. When roaches get into your business they damage your reputation and hurt your bottom line. If you don't want that to happen, make sure you contact a dependable expert. At Viking Pest Control, we take care of your roach problem before you know it. Our treatment program offers proven results on which you can depend, and you will know contacting us was the smart move for your business. Not many things are better than getting your roach problem under control.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are a number one problem for hotels and resorts across the world. Even if your business is not in the hospitality industry any area where customers or employees frequent can become a home for bed bugs.  All it takes is one bed bug to get into your business to start an invasion. When it comes to suspecting bed bugs in your business it is advised to contact a bed bug expert, like Viking Pest Control, to ensure that all bed bugs are properly exterminated. 

Our team handles bed bugs efficiently and makes them a thing of the past in no time, and you will be happy with the way we approach the problem. Our team of bed bug extermination experts are discrete to ensure minimal to no interruption to your business operation. Bed bugs no longer need to be a concern for you and your business if you let Viking Pest Control give you a hand.

Rodents

Mice and rats can be found making their way into businesses throughout the year, but fall is an especially important time to protect your business from these damaging pests.  As the weather begins to cool, rodents look for a warm place to make their home for the winter months.  Don't let your business become the unwilling home of mice and rats!  

At Viking Pest Control we have the most innovative and advanced solution for your rodent control needs.  SMART is the 24/7 digital mouse and rat control solution.  Intelligent and environmentally friendly, SMART keeps you two steps ahead of rodent activity on your property.  Using infrared sensors to monitor and reporting all activity and catch data to the Viking Team, SMART is the future of rodent control. If your business has a zero-tolerance pest policy then SMART is the solution for you!  Give us a call at 800-618-2847 or fill out the form below to learn more about SMART or request your free site evaluation.

Getting Started With Viking Pest Control

It's time to get started with Viking Pest Control. Our team remains committed to offering high-quality service on which you can depend. We come to your business at a time that makes sense for you and your team. We use the latest treatment solutions and give you the outcome for which you were hoping.

You will know our company is on your side from the start. The pests that have been hurting your business no longer need to be a concern, and it won't take you long to see why. Our experts have the required training and experience to do the job right from the start.  Give us a call at 800-618-2847 or fill out our free estimate form to get started on your pest free journey today!

Healthcare facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland absolutely must take the necessary steps to deter pests. Not only can bugs expose your patients and faculty to germs, but they can also damage your good name for years to come. Among the places that need pest management services include hospitals, clinical labs, hospices, urgent care centers, and physical therapy buildings. Let's take a closer look at the importance of pest control.

Four Reasons Why Your Healthcare Facility Needs Professional Pest Management

1. Protects Your Facility’s Reputation
2. Prevents Pests from Bringing In Bacteria and Viral Diseases
3. Halts Minor Pest Problems From Becoming Worse
4. Creates a Cleaner Environment for Patients and Employees
5. Higher Sanitation Scores

Top Healthcare Facility Pests & the Dangers They Pose

Cockroaches

Cockroaches have long remained among the most common pests found at healthcare facilities. Studies show these unhygienic insects spread more than 30 different kinds of bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli. Even worse, few pests multiply in number as quickly. If you don’t take the necessary preventive measures, it doesn’t take long for a serious infestation to develop.

 

Rodents

Rodents can be even more unsanitary than cockroaches. Once mice and rats gain entry to a building, they immediately start to wreak havoc. Their droppings can contain a wide range of different pathogens, which increase the risk of someone getting sick. You also must consider the amount of property damage that can be caused by rodents, who can chew through almost anything they see which can include wires, walls, and furniture.

 

Bed Bugs

While recovering from an illness or injury, the last thing a patient needs is to be burdened by bed bugs. These blood-sucking insects can cover a person’s body with itchy bites. Bed bugs are also known for worsening allergy and asthma symptoms. Because bed bugs easily travel from place to place by hiding in clothes and luggage, it’s especially important to have a preventative pest management plan in place.

 

Flies

During the warmer months, flies are especially active with many making their way into businesses through any opening they can find. You definitely don’t want these pests inside your healthcare facility. In addition to being an annoyance to employees, guests, and long-term residents they constantly contaminate surfaces by leaving behind germ-filled saliva.

 

Ants

Although ants may be tiny, they can cause big problems for healthcare facilities. They are often attracted to open wounds and intravenous units. Of course, the kitchen area is also a major hot spot for ants. When it comes to ants in the kitchen these pests are known to spread food-borne disease organisms such as Salmonella and E. coli. Keep your healthcare facility protected against ants by maintaining recurring pest control services from a trusted provider like Viking Pest Control.

Pest Control Preventive Measures

The first step is to seek professional pest management. Our experts know exactly what it takes to ensure a pest-free environment. To help further deter pests, it’s crucial your facility is kept tightly sealed. Many pests love to take refuge in moist conditions, which means plumbing leaks need to be repaired as soon as possible. To no surprise, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. Food waste and garbage should never be allowed to sit for long periods.

About Viking Pest Control

Healthcare facilities can always trust Viking Pest Control to provide top-notch commercial pest control. We have been proudly serving your area for more than 40 years. Our licensed technicians understand that every business is unique in its pest control needs and specialize in treating and preventing pest infestations. Give us a call at 800-618-2847 or fill out the form on this page to speak to a representative and schedule your site evaluation.

Rodents are among the most destructive and difficult pests to control in homes and businesses. Rats and mice spread disease, contaminate food, damage property, and reproduce rapidly once they establish a nesting site indoors.

Traditional rodent control methods often rely on periodic inspections, bait stations, and reactive treatments. Today, advances in pest control technology are creating more proactive solutions. SMART rodent control combines digital monitoring, real-time alerts, and professional pest management expertise to help detect and eliminate rodent activity before infestations spiral out of control.

What Is SMART Rodent Control?

SMART rodent control is an advanced pest management system that uses connected digital devices and infrared monitoring technology to track rodent activity 24/7.

The system combines intelligent sensors, wireless communication, and professional pest control services to create a proactive rodent management solution for commercial and residential properties.

Unlike traditional pest control methods, SMART technology continuously monitors for rodent activity and provides real-time data that helps pest professionals respond quickly and strategically.

How the SMART Pest Control System Works

SMART rodent protection systems use several integrated components designed to monitor rodent movement and activity throughout a property.

Infrared Monitoring Sensors

SMART sensors use infrared technology to detect temperature differences caused by rodent movement. These sensors help minimize false alerts while accurately tracking rats and mice in hard-to-reach areas.

Sensors are often installed in:

• Utility spaces
• Storage areas
• Wall voids
• Crawl spaces
• Food storage facilities
• Basements and attics

Wireless Communication Technology

The SMART system communicates wirelessly through a dedicated network and does not require access to a customer’s WiFi or computer systems.

When rodent activity is detected or a trap is triggered, the system automatically sends alerts to Viking Pest Control’s monitoring team for immediate review.

Continuous Data Collection

SMART devices actively transmit data even when no rodent activity is detected. This allows pest professionals to identify trends, monitor hotspots, and adjust treatment strategies proactively.

The result is a more efficient and targeted approach to rodent management.

SMART Rodent Control Devices

Several SMART devices work together to monitor and control rodent populations effectively.

SMART Eye

The SMART Eye is a compact infrared sensor designed to detect movement in narrow or difficult-to-access areas where rodents commonly travel.

The device continuously monitors activity and reports findings to Viking’s central monitoring system.

SMART Connect

SMART Connect acts as the communication hub for the entire system. It wirelessly connects sensors and traps while transmitting rodent activity data to pest management professionals.

SMART Traps

SMART traps are strategically placed in areas with high rodent activity or near potential entry points identified during the inspection process.

These traps allow pest professionals to respond quickly and optimize placement based on real-time activity patterns.

Benefits of SMART Rodent Control

Digital rodent monitoring provides several advantages over traditional pest control methods.

24/7 Rodent Monitoring

Unlike periodic inspections, SMART technology monitors your property around the clock. Continuous monitoring allows for faster detection and earlier intervention before infestations become severe.

Proactive Pest Management

Real-time alerts help pest professionals identify activity trends and adjust treatments proactively rather than waiting for visible signs of infestation.

Reduced Rodent Damage

Early detection can help minimize:

• Property damage
• Food contamination
• Equipment damage
• Business interruptions
• Health risks associated with rodents

Eco-Friendly Rodent Control

SMART rodent systems focus on monitoring and targeted trapping rather than relying heavily on rodenticides and chemical treatments, making them a more environmentally responsible option.

Why Rodents Are Difficult to Control

Rats and mice are highly adaptable pests that thrive in both residential and commercial environments.

Rapid Reproduction

Rodents reproduce quickly, allowing infestations to grow rapidly if left untreated. A single female rat can produce multiple litters per year, and young rodents reach maturity quickly.

Adaptability

Rodents can:

• Squeeze through tiny openings
• Climb walls and pipes
• Hide in inaccessible areas
• Adjust behavior to avoid detection

Their ability to adapt makes long-term monitoring especially important.

Disease Risks

Rodents are known carriers of numerous diseases and can contaminate surfaces and food supplies through urine, droppings, and nesting materials.

They may also trigger allergies and respiratory issues in indoor environments.

Who Benefits From SMART Rodent Control?

SMART rodent control systems are highly effective for a wide range of industries and property types, including:

• Restaurants
• Food processing facilities
• Grocery stores
• Warehouses
• Apartment complexes
• Hotels
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Office buildings
• Farms and equestrian facilities
• Residential homes

Properties with ongoing rodent pressure often benefit most from continuous digital monitoring.

Professional SMART Rodent Control Services

Every property has unique rodent challenges, which is why professional inspections and customized placement strategies are critical for success.

Viking Pest Control begins with a detailed site evaluation to identify:

• Rodent entry points
• High-activity areas
• Nesting locations
• Environmental conditions contributing to infestations

From there, pest professionals develop a customized SMART monitoring and rodent control plan tailored to the property’s needs.

Businesses and homeowners can learn more about Viking Pest Control’s rodent control services and advanced SMART monitoring solutions.

Protect Your Property With SMART Rodent Monitoring

Rodent infestations can quickly become costly, disruptive, and difficult to control without the right tools and expertise. SMART rodent control technology helps identify activity earlier, improve treatment accuracy, and provide long-term protection for homes and businesses.

To learn more about SMART rodent monitoring and customized pest management solutions, visit Viking Pest Control and schedule a free site evaluation today.

Winter is coming! Now is the time to start thinking about winter pest control. How do you winterize your warehouse though? 

Don't worry, at Viking Pest Control we have the solutions to keep pests away not only this winter season, but throughout the year. Let's take a look!

Why Is Winter Pest Control Important 

Rodents carry dozens of diseases that can be directly transmitted to humans and even more by indirect contact. In the cold winter months, these pests can find their way into buildings like your warehouse and set up shop for the cold season. 

Once one rodent makes a home of your business other rodents will start to invade as well. Starting with a simple rodent concern, once rodents start reproducing you can have an infestation at your business, and trust us, it happens fast! For example, a female mouse can have up to 10 litters each year giving birth to up to 14 young. 

Rodents are not your only worry though. Insects can infest a warehouse just as easily especially in large spaces with plenty of hiding spaces. Warehouses with cardboard need to take special precautions due to insects like Silverfish and Cockroaches. 

Things You Should Know 

You might think that you have your warehouse under control for the winter season, however, in our experience, we know that is usually not the case. A mouse can fit in through an opening the size of a penny, large buildings like warehouses are almost impossible to secure on your own.

During the winter rodents will find their way into the building without question. Once an infestation has occurred it will cost you more time and money to eradicate the problem. That is why working with a professional team of pest control specialists, like Viking Pest Control, is essential this winter and year-round!

What You Can Do 

There are some measures that you can take around your warehouse to manage pests this winter. Here are some simple tips for keeping your building secure:

• Keep moisture to a minimum and use a dehumidifier if needed
• Avoid clutter such as stacked newspapers or old boxes
• Add screens to vents and chimneys 
• Keep all food items securely sealed and stored

These tips are simple tricks that you can do on your own to help prevent pests from entering your building. With that being said, there is only one absolute in pest prevention...Hiring an expert, like Viking Pest Control, to ensure your facility is protected from pest pressures. 

Your local technicians at Viking Pest Control have over 40 years of experience in pest management. We apply years of knowledge alongside modern pest control technology to keep you and your property secure from pests.

Choosing the Best in Pest Control 

Winter pest control should not be overlooked when it comes to securing your warehouse or other properties. At Viking Pest Control we strive to give our customers the peace of mind that their properties and families are safe from dangerous pests all year round. 

We would love to connect further with you! Give us a call at 800-618-2847 or fill out our online form today to speak to your local commercial account specialist and learn more about how Viking Pest Control can keep you pest-free!